10 Picture-Perfect Towns in the Great Lakes Region
The Great Lakes Region of the United States can be stunningly beautiful to bear witness to. Within this region are the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) that border eight different states in America and the Canadian province of Ontario. Not only do the Great Lakes provide an invaluable source of fresh water and a regional economy, but these beautiful lakes also provide a beautiful backdrop for nearby towns and villages.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Located in Wisconsin, Bayfield is right on the shores of Lake Superior. It is one of the smallest towns in Wisconsin, with only 584 people. It is also known as “the gateway to the Apostle Islands,” where there are 22 coastal islands made up of stunning rock formations and six historic lighthouses. Check out the Old Michigan Island Lighthouse or nearby Raspberry Island Lighthouse with their guided tours. With easy access to nearby Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands, you can visit the beautiful 2,350-acre Big Bay State Park.
When visiting this beautiful community, be sure to stay at the Legendary Waters Resort and Casino or the Bayfield Inn for the best local experience and gorgeous views of the Apostle Islands. The local Bayfield Maritime Museum tells the story of living next to Lake Superior, which is considered an inland sea. There are a variety of performances available at the Big Top Chautauqua all year round. The canvas tent seats up to 900 on the shores of Lake Superior, so be sure to grab tickets for any shows you want to see!
Ashland, Wisconsin
Also located in Wisconsin, this beautiful town is a port on Lake Superior, near the head of Chequamegon Bay. Much of the local economy is made up of small businesses, which are always a treat to see when visiting. Lake Superior is within arms' reach, and nearby, you can find Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. However, the latter is legally considered two separate National Parks. Each place adds to the beauty of the area.
If you want to visit during a local event, check out Bay Days. It is Ashland's annual community festival, which is held in the middle of July. During the festival, there are street vendors, live outdoor music, a "Strongest Man in the Bay” Contest, and a Sprint Triathlon that add to the atmosphere of the community.
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
This town is located on the northern point of Illinois against the Wisconsin border, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Winthrop Harbor is home to the largest marina on the Great Lakes, the North Point Marina, which includes a 240-acre forest preserves. There are boat and fishing charters, such as Diamond Ghost Charters and Jackpot Fishing Charters, to hire and see the full beauty of the marina.
The town is considered to be a popular vacation spot by many. With beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, there are many chances for activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and more. Overlooking Lake Michigan is Harbor Brewing Co., a local bar that supports other local breweries. However, it is only open from May to October. During the fall, Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm is open for visitors with tickets for a fun hayride, a corn maze, and various pumpkin-themed treats. Every season has something to offer for those in Winthrop Harbor.
Silver Bay, Minnesota
This fabulous small town in Minnesota greets the edge of Lake Superior. Within town limits is Black Beach, where there is a park, Black Beach trailheads, the Black Beach Rock (another hiking area), a campground, and a nearby Inn. Following the shoreline, just a bit east, is the Silver Bay Marina and the Silver Bay Marina Scenic Overlook for an amazing view of Lake Superior.
Then, heading further north into Silver Bay is the small but picturesque Mariner Mountain Park, with nearby Silver Bay Trailhead and, for any winter visitors, the Northwoods Ski Trails. A golf course is also available between Silver Bay and the nearby tiny town of Beaver Bay. If you are on Highway 5 near Silver Bay, check out Rocky Taconite, a 12-foot tall statue that marks when taconite was transitioned into steel. It still looks good after 45 years!
Two Harbors, Minnesota
This wonderfully named town was once two separate communities in Minnesota but became a singular one in 1907. Despite being mostly used for shipping cargo through its ore docks, there is no shortage of places to visit and things to do.
Stay at the Two Harbors Lighthouse, a historic building where the light keepers’ old quarters now operate as a Bed and Breakfast. Visit one of the best breweries in Minnesota, Castle Danger Brewery, and a nearby pizzeria, Do North Pizzeria, for some delicious local food. One winter community event to check out is the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race, a dogsled race held along the North Shore of Lake Superior in northeast Minnesota, which goes for almost 400 miles. The winning time for the race is two days and six hours. Be there at the start and finish line!
Porter, Indiana
Within the state of Indiana is the small city of Porter. It is located next to Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. Despite being located in another state, Porter is actually considered a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm are located inside the Indiana Dunes National Park. Not only are these places full of settler history, but they make for beautiful hiking trails. Also nearby is the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve, where photographers are often due to the abundance of wildlife and wildflowers. There is fishing, classes, workshops, and hikes offered throughout the year. If you are visiting Porter during the warmer months, be sure to check out Porter Beach for a fun swim and delightful birdwatching.
Long Beach, Indiana
Not only does this Indiana town have front-row seats to Michigan Lake, but there is Lake Clare, which weaves adjacent to nearby homes close to town limits. Long Beach was founded in the 1920s to be a resort town, and it seems to have mostly remained that way. The view from the villas is sure to be breathtaking.
Farina’s Supper Club is one of many local places where you can find accommodation. Not only are the rooms gorgeous, with potential private beach access, but they also have a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Close by to Pottawattamie Park is Friendship Botanic Gardens, where people and their dogs (if they bring any) can enjoy the wonderful natural scenery. For those who enjoy history along with the scenery, go to the Old Lighthouse Museum, where the history between Lake Michigan and its nearby towns is shared.
Lake City, Pennsylvania
Found in the state of Pennsylvania, the town of Lake City is located next to Lake Erie. Boating and fishing are quite popular at this part of the lake. The town is not far from the towns of Erie and Girard. There is also a strong cultural heritage that can be experienced throughout the year with events such as the annual fall festival, weekend craft fairs, and weekly farmers markets.
One of Pennsylvania’s largest state parks, located close by, Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie and offers great beaches and fun water recreation. Another nearby park is Erie Bluffs State Park, smaller at only 587 acres, which offers one mile of shoreline, 90-foot bluffs that overlook Lake Erie, and Elk Creek, a shallow stream steelhead fishery. Both parks and Lake Erie offer a beauty that can be hard to match anywhere else in Pennsylvania.
Huron, Ohio
With the motto “A Great Lake Place," Huron is located on the shores of Lake Erie in the state of Ohio. The Huron River also provides a scenic view for canoers and nearby hikers. Not only are there wonderful summer activities in Huron, but once winter arrives, there are equally as many offerings. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating are available at the lakefront Sawmill Creek Resort.
The Huron Boat Basin Amphitheater hosts live outdoor entertainment with a stunning backdrop of the Huron River. A few of Huron's other popular local attractions include Nickel Plate Beach and Huron Harbor and Pier. It is also home to the Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve.
Geneva-On-The-Lake, Ohio
Located along the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, Geneva-On-The-Lake is a small resort town with a population of 916 year-round. The town's main attraction is a mile-long stretch of road known locally as "the Strip." This section of State Route 531 is lined with parks, restaurants, and arcades. Many seasonal events occur on “the strip," offering a blend of indoor and outdoor access. The Jennie Munger Gregory Museum, a farmhouse built in 1823, sits right on the Lake Erie shore and serves as the headquarters for the Ashtabula County Historical Society. It was the first frame house constructed in the area, making it a beautiful and historic site to visit. Other attractions in this lovely resort town include two lakefront wineries, various nightclubs, and a dinner theater.
The Great Lakes are stunning parts of North America, and the towns that surround them share this beauty. Each town provides striking views, historical sites to explore, and a wide range of activities and events to enjoy or observe. The lighthouses are beautiful. Lakefront inns and hotels are remarkable. Finding a campsite in these areas is not difficult. There is something for everyone to discover and relish in these towns.
